Los Angeles — The Hollywood Reporter has released its Feinberg Forecast, offering predictions across 21 categories for the 2026 Academy Awards. The analysis highlights frontrunners, major threats, and long‑shot contenders, shaping early narratives in Hollywood’s most prestigious competition.
In the Best Picture race, One Battle After Another (Warner Bros.), Hamnet (Focus), and Sinners (Warner Bros.) are listed as frontrunners, alongside Marty Supreme (A24) and Frankenstein (Netflix). Streaming platforms continue to assert dominance, with Netflix securing multiple entries including Jay Kelly and Train Dreams.
The Best Director category features Paul Thomas Anderson (One Battle After Another), Ryan Coogler (Sinners), and Chloé Zhao (Hamnet) as leading contenders. Their inclusion reflects the Academy’s growing recognition of diverse storytelling and global perspectives.
Acting categories are equally competitive. Leonardo DiCaprio (One Battle After Another) and Timothée Chalamet (Marty Supreme) headline the Best Actor predictions, while Jessie Buckley (Hamnet) and Renate Reinsve (Sentimental Value) lead Best Actress. Supporting categories highlight Ariana Grande (Wicked: For Good) and Stellan Skarsgård (Sentimental Value) among frontrunners.
Technical races showcase innovation in cinematography, costume design, and sound. Films like F1: The Movie (Apple/Warner Bros.) and Frankenstein (Netflix) are expected to dominate in visual effects and editing, underscoring the Academy’s embrace of high‑budget spectacle alongside intimate dramas.
Ultimately, the Feinberg Forecast illustrates how the Oscars remain a global cultural event. The predictions not only spotlight artistic excellence but also reveal industry trends, from streaming’s rise to the balance between blockbuster entertainment and auteur‑driven cinema.
